Ypsilanti (pronounced ip-sih-lan-tee) was founded back in 1809 along the Huron River and has grown to be a city of about 23,000 citizens and the home of Eastern Michigan University! The town is home to students and families and can equally lively as Ann Arbor. Named for a Greek warrior, Demetrius Ypsilanti, who fought in the Greek War of Independence. There is a Greek flag that flies next to the water tower, and there's a bust of Demetrius Ypsilanti there as well.

Highlights

Depot Town is a historic area of the city with the old train depot, several restaurants, shops, and Frog Island Park. Depot Town is wonderful all year round, and especially nice on a warm summer day eating outside at Aubree's or Sidetracks.

Although the old train depot is no longer operational, the train tracks still carry freight lines as well as the Amtrak train system.

The Domino's Pizza chain was founded in Ypsilanti! The location across from McKenny Hall was one of the first three stores opened.

Downtown Ypsilanti is home to the EMU College of Business and also many great restaurants and stores.

Ypsilanti is also home to the largest Elvis Festival in the country! Every July, Ypsilanti buzzes with ElvisFest!

If you enjoy fishing, picnicking, concerts and playing ball, Ypsilanti occupies great amusement areas! The town is full of amazing parks and recreational areas, as well as open fields for fishing, biking, and playgrounds. Don't forget to visit areas listed below when you are in town for a fresh breeze.

Riverside Park is between the historic Depot Town district and many downtown landmarks like the veritable Haab's restaurant and the downtown branch of the Ypsilanti Library. The park is excellent for a picnic, walk, biking and fishing. The park is the hosting site for a variety of yearly festivals, most notably the annual Heritage Festival, the Elvis Festival, the Michigan Brewer Festival, the Jamboree, the Ypsilanti Pops Concert, the Fire Truck Muster, the Orphan Car Show, Camaro Superfest, the Band Organ Rally and many other events.

Rolling Hills Water Park is also a great recreational park. A place kids and adults enjoy playing in a large outdoor pool filled with several water activities including water slides, lazy river, wave pool and many others. During the summer the park is accommodated with enjoyable activities including music concerts.

Other outstanding parks and recreation areas include the Water Works Park, which is a great picnic park featuring a Baseball field, a golf field as well as walking and biking areas. Additionally, the Peninsular Park, and the Rutherford Municipal Pool are only a few other enjoyable parks among several in Ypsilanti.